Need help w ATO

Oldsman

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I've been struggling with our ATO the last few weeks. Its the Fzone smart ato w controller. I set it up, they call initialize, and everything was peachy. After a week, I noticed it was filling up past the high level switch on several occasions. The 1st time this happened, an alarm went off, and I paused the unit. Checking everything over didn't yield an answer, so I re- initialized the unit again.
A couple days go by, its working like advertised, then like a toddler throwing a tantrum, blam it fills past the high level. I moved the switch thinking bubbles were causing the issue. It seemed to help a couple days, then last night it filled past the switch again. I've never seen the red overfill alarm again, and wondering what I'm doing wrong
Any suggestions welcome
Here's the ATO I'm using

20250331_011857.jpg
 

Mr. Mojo Rising

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You're not doing anything wrong. I have that same fzone ATO, at least it worked for a year for me before it started doing what is happening to you. I just removed it last week and replaced it with a kamoer ATO. Its my second kamoer ATO, I have another that is 3.5 years old and still works perfectly fine.

Keep the sensor very clean, don't let any salt build up on it. But ultimately it should be replaced, bite the bullet and buy a brand name ATO. I'm sorry that happened, I know it sucks
 

furam28

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BRS has the Reef Factory ATO on sale for $60. Best ATO I have used so far. Flawless design with 2 float switches, and a stepper motor dosing pump. It connects via wifi and gives you live updates. Lots of cool features on the app, such as turning off your ATO for a set time (eg. when you are doing some tank maintenance or water change.). It also shows you how much water is getting topped up every day, and how much water left in your reservoir. https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/dosing-pump-ato-system-reef-factory.html
 

I never finish anythi

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BRS has the Reef Factory ATO on sale for $60. Best ATO I have used so far. Flawless design with 2 float switches, and a stepper motor dosing pump. It connects via wifi and gives you live updates. Lots of cool features on the app, such as turning off your ATO for a set time (eg. when you are doing some tank maintenance or water change.). It also shows you how much water is getting topped up every day, and how much water left in your reservoir. https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/dosing-pump-ato-system-reef-factory.html
I wouldn't touch reef factory ATM with all that's going on . Not saying it's not a good product but ain't they going in to administration? Hence the sale .
 
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Oldsman

Oldsman

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Thanks for the replies, they sent a new controller I haven't hooked up yet expecting the same issues. I'll look into something better asap. Really appreciate the help
 

UncommonSense

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Is there something wrong w the newer style nano 3 ? Thats the ATO I was looking at
Apparently the optical eye is junk; at least that’s what the reviews are saying!

The old style level sensor(s) appears to be more reliable, and the general build quality better!

Here’s my roughly 9yr old osmolator that I definitely dropped in the sump on accident during a system tear down, then forgot to rinse out with fresh water…

I cleaned up the corrosion and the darn thing still works somehow!

IMG_6746.jpeg
 

Airedale Reef

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I have a 30g long and currently using the Tunze Osmolator 3152 ATO...

This particular unit doesn't have the safety sensor like the larger osmolator, but pumps water a bit slower (which is a positive) for nano volume tanks. I haven't had any issues with the optic sensors. After the initial set up, it's been rocking for over a year without issues.
 

Gumbies R Us

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If you need another vote for TUNZE ato's I'll add a vote to getting one of those!
 

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